U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan say they have killed up to 27 Taleban militants during an operation in the southern Kandahar province.

In a statement, the military said Thursday's operation was aimed at detaining terror suspects. It confirmed seven deaths, saying that 15 to 20 more suspects may have been killed during an airstrike.

The operation comes a day after two battles between coalition forces and Taleban militants in the southern Helmand and Kandahar provinces. Officials say at least 58 militants and 14 coalition forces were killed in the fighting.

Taleban supporters have intensified attacks against the Afghan government and foreigners in recent months, particularly in southern and eastern Afghanistan.